SW7 Phase Question

[Anonymous]

Hi All:

I've just purchased a new-in-box undec BLI Ph 1 SW7. It has an SW7 hood (large radiator), but an arched-window cab ala' an NW2.

Is this correct? (Did BLI goof, or is this prototype?)

Thought I knew my EMD switchers, but this one has me doubting.

Andre

[Anonymous]

Andre --

I checked the Second Diesel Spotter's Guide on this one. It seems NW2 and SW7 production overlapped for a while in 1949. NW2s were built until December 1949; SW7 production began in October of that year. The Guide says that the curved windows were found on all NW2s, and on SW7s built through about April 1950. Later SW7s, as well as all SW9s and SW1200s had the rectangular windows above the hood.

[Anonymous]

Thank you very much for that knowledgable answer.

The curved windows caught me by surprise. (I thought SW7's had square windows.) Too late now, it's mine!

My challenge now will be finding a prototype to match it that operated in the Kansas City area. Target era is mid 60's.

Andre

[Anonymous]

I was also surprised about the curved windows. (Who knew?)

So far the only SW7s with curved windows I've been able to find are NP 107-114 (later BN 107-114) and C&O 5214-5239. Came up dry with MP, RI, KCS, KCT, MILW, CB&Q and WAB....

[Anonymous]

Ditto on my explorations of the KC area lines.

I am going to order the parts to swap out the cab and go with a Phase 2 SW7.

Thanks again for the assist.

Andre

[Anonymous]

Hey, Coonskin! Does that "coonskin" handle mean you're a Frisco fan?

Ed

[Anonymous]

"Hey, Coonskin! Does that "coonskin" handle mean you're a Frisco fan?"

Yup! You're a sharp cookie, there Ed! [:)]

I've been an admirer of the Frisco since a lad in KC (late 50s thru 60s), then really got hooked on them upon relocating to the Ft. Smith, Arkansas area (in 1969)... modeled them seriously (with a few diversions) from about 1974 until about 8 years ago. In a dumb move, a few years ago I sold all my Frisco engines (diesels) I had so laboriously produced.

Still have a penchant for the Frisco though, and intend for it to be represented on my proposed KC Lines layout.

Andre

[Anonymous]

Well, Coonskin, I think I understand. When I was a kid (mid to late 50s) in St. Louis a couple of us who had access to 8mm movie cameras used to wander over to Lindenwood Yard and take old Kokachrome movies of black and yellow Frisco power. My parents must have thrown those old films away. When my mom passed away I searched her house end to end and never found them. I found the camera and the old projector, but not my Frisco films. It was a neat railroad, but I have not been too impressed with the Frisco Modeler's Information Group. Seems to be a lot of what I call "elite-ism" practiced within the group so I don't subscribe to their email list or participate at all, but I still like the Frisco.

Cheers,

Ed

[Anonymous]

Shame about the films!! Frisco footage seems quite scarce.

I used to be very casually involved with FMIG back before my internet days (mid 90s?)... neat group of guys then. However, since then I've lost touch with the organization so have no idea what the present state of affairs are.

Have fun!

Andre

[Anonymous]

I don't know what railroad you got but the CB&Q and Harbor Belt were painted incorrectly.
I fixed the Q by redoing the sill stripes ( upside down) and extending them into the stepwells. It needs new heralds (too small) and top stripes (same).

Runs and sounds great. Loves to find flaws in your trackwork however.
Rob